Meet the remarkable Gertrude Gish, and for the very first time see the lively cover of Gertrude Gish on a Dish on a Fish (Seuss Studios, May 2025), which may prompt fond memories of certain beloved books from your own childhood.
No, it’s not Dr. Seuss, but, yes, it is Seuss Studios, a brand-new line of Beginner Books inspired by sketches from the singular Dr. Seuss! When the iconic Beginner Books series was cofounded by Theodor Geisel, aka Dr. Seuss, in 1957, it sought not only to make learning to read fun but also to open new doors for emerging creators. Seuss Studios continues that legacy with its new lineup of titles coming in 2025.
Author-illustrator Sarah Hwang found Gertrude Gish to be a charming character when she first saw the original illustration, and she says she was inspired to “finish what Dr. Seuss had started” with Gertrude Gish on a Dish on a Fish.
As you may have guessed from the cover, Gertrude Gish can balance on anything. She can balance on a dish. She can balance on a fish. Gertrude Gish can even balance on a dish on a fish.
Despite her remarkable talents, her family and friends are fed up with what they consider her quirky pastime. But when a kitten gets stuck in a tree, Gertrude uses her unique skill to save the day.
Through Gertrude’s story, Hwang hopes readers will understand that outside recognition isn’t necessary to validate our talents. “It’s more fulfilling to find the opportunity to put our talents to good use,” she says.
Originally from South Korea, Hwang receive a BFA in illustration from the Maryland Institute College of Art and made her author-illustrator debut with her much-loved picture book, Toasty.
